Hunting Elk in Umtaneum

[leadbalz]

Is it even worth hunting in the this area anymore? I have hunted over there for the last few years (except last)  and I haven't seen any elk, everyone that I have talked to that has hunted over there including modern firearm , doesn't get anything or for the most part even see any elk. What are your thoughts?

[adamR]

nope, to many people, not enough elk, not worth your trip

[leadbalz]

That is what I was afraid of,  I don't like the True spike area's so I will stay away from those , but I don't think we are going to get away from the people no matter where we go,and there isn't jack squat open for late season anymore. I prefer the Yakima elk herds but not sure where to start going.

[adamR]

are you using modern firearms?

[rtspring]

I hunt across the in the Littles Naches.....

Funny how everyone says there are no elk. hmmmmm  4 guys in camp this year and we got three spikes....
Best advice, get off the roads and find spots where there are no humans. Then you will find the elk...

[deerslyr]

theres some toads in that unit, jus dive into the deepest nastiest timbered ridge you can find that doesnt have a road at the bottom and has some form of water near by. If your archery hunting stay by that water all day...

[leadbalz]

I have actaully hunted in Umtaneum since about '95 but hunting was always good , if you didn't get anything at least you seen elk , however it seems like the last five years have really sucked , I have hunted with everything but a bow in this area.Talked to a few guys that were over there for deer and didn't see anything then for modern rifle elk once again nothing but a TON of hunters. Last time I hunted in little naches I shot a nice lead cow with my smokepole , but that was late season.

[ribka]

Live in the area and have noticed fewer and fewer elk every year.  I started hunting other units.

[leadbalz]

Yeah, I think I wil lstart making my way to other units, just not real sure on which ones to check out , Hard part about it is , I still hunt with my dad and he is in his mid 60's now an d it is not as easy for him to hoof it through the big hills and what not , for me ...... bring it on. but I have to look out for my pops he has been my best hunting buddy for the last 30 years.I am not looking at horning in on someones honey hole , but any ideas of some good areas will be truly appreciated, Plus I can get over a few times to scout before season starts.

[Bob33]

Unfortunately, unless you draw a special permit there are really aren't too many areas where you can expect to find elk close to a road unless it's private land.  Some options you might consider:

1. Apply for special permits in all the categories you can: quality, bull, antlerless, senior if he qualifes, etc.
2. Consider spending some time meeting landowners this summer that may allow you access.
3. Archery seasons are longer and have less pressure, generally speaking.

If all else fails, just consider the time afield valuable and don't worry if you don't get an elk.  I hunted with my dad for 15 when I was a youth and saw one legal elk.  They're still some of my best memories.

[leadbalz]

If all else fails, just consider the time afield valuable and don't worry if you don't get an elk.  I hunted with my dad for 15 when I was a youth and saw one legal elk.  They're still some of my best memories.
[/quote]

  I hear you there, I actually enjoy just geting out , getting an elk is just a bonus to me. We usually put in for a cow tag, and have taken some nice animals in the years past, Dad shot a real nice 6x7 back 1998 and we still talk about that....As for me , I haven't shot anything with Horns yet , I know I know , hard to believe, but I am not a horn hunter I'll take what is legal and enjoy the hell out of it.

[ribka]

I drew ml cow elk tag 2 times and filled tag each year. Not an easy tag to fill the past few years . Have to know where to go

[teanawayslayer]

I hunted over there for the first time this year.  Had some friends who had a cow tag in camp.  I will never be going back.  Haven't quite seen anything like it since modern firearm.  Saw way more people than elk.  Rediculous.  Hated every minuite of the hunt left early to sit on my couch.

[ribka]

Spend a lot of time scouting and can find elk in pockets over there. A lot of people but few wiling to go where the elk hang out